Bad weather's inbound for most of the country this evening and tomorrow

MetService has put a severe thunderstorm watch in place this afternoon for most of the South Island, south of Hanmer Springs.

A heavy rain warning is also in place for Hawke's Bay north of Napier, and Gisborne/ Tairawhiti from early tomorrow .

Meteorologist Claire O'Connor says it's been a wet Christmas for most of the country.

She says if it hasn't rained in your area yet, it likely will soon, unless you're in the Wellington or South Taranaki area.